PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) Practice Exam

Relative sizing in project estimation involves what?

1. Assigning exact numeric values to tasks

2. Estimating sizes based on comparisons with other tasks

3. Using historical data for estimation

4. Calculating the total cost of a project

The correct answer is: Estimating sizes based on comparisons with other tasks

Relative sizing in project estimation focuses on estimating the size of a task based on comparisons with other tasks. This approach allows teams to determine the effort or complexity of tasks in relation to one another instead of assigning specific numeric values. The primary benefit of relative sizing is that it fosters a more manageable and intuitive understanding of how various tasks compare, which can aid in prioritization and resource allocation. Using comparison helps teams avoid the pitfalls of anchoring biases that can occur when trying to estimate tasks with exact numbers. By discussing and agreeing on the size of one task in relation to another, teams can reach a consensus that reflects the collective knowledge and experience of the group. In contrast, assigning exact numeric values focuses on absolute measures rather than relative relationships, which can lead to inaccuracies. While historical data can provide context and insights for estimations, it is not the primary mechanism of relative sizing. Similarly, calculating the total cost of a project is typically a separate process from estimating individual task sizes and does not relate to the comparative nature of relative sizing.